BERKELEY, Calif. –– Fernando Mendoza threw for a career-high 364 yards and two touchdowns to lead California (4-4) to a 44-7 victory over Oregon State (4-4) Saturday before 33,090 at California Memorial Stadium.
Cal amassed 478 yards in their first non-conference game since 1960, against former Pac-12 foes. Mendoza completed passes to 10 different receivers, and Trond Grizzell caught five balls for 95 yards.
The win over the Beavers ends a four-game losing streak for the Golden Bears.
“After four tough losses like that, there are people out there that would have crumbled and not been able to bounce back. I’m really, really proud and pleased with our guys for battling back.” said Cal Coach Justin Wilcox.
Cal led 31-0 at halftime, its largest halftime lead since 2015.
Cal scored on their initial possession after Mendoza completed a 9-yard pass to Jaivian Thomas, who lateralled to Mendoza for the touchdown. After an Oregon State three-and-out, Mendoza drove the Bears down the field in three plays, capping the drive with a 20-yard touchdown to Nyziah Hunter.
The Beavers had nine possessions in the game—their result: punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, missed field goal, downs, downs, touchdown.
To tie a school record, Cal kicker Derek Morris made all five attempts after missing a potential game-winning field goal against North Carolina State.
Oregon State backup quarterback Ben Gulbranson, who replaced a struggling Gevani McCoy, was 11 of 20 for 131 yards and a touchdown. Trent Walker caught five passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Mendoza was 27 of 36 for 364 yards. Jaivian Thomas carried seven times for 33 yards and a touchdown. Jamaal Wiley carried twice for one yard and a touchdown.
“We just want to be really consistent in our play and have a standard of play that doesn’t deviate, regardless of who we play, what the score is, what the weather is like, whether there are fans or no fans,” Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox said. “This builds confidence, and confidence is a really important part of football.”
Up next
Oregon State enters a bye week and will host San Jose State on Nov. 9.
California will travel to Wake Forest on Nov. 8 after their bye.
